What does this vaccine help prevent
?

Diphtheria
—which causes a sore throat associated with a thick covering in the back of the throat

Tetanus
— which causes painful muscle tightening all over the body; also known as lockjaw

Pertussis
— which causes bad coughing spells that make it difficult for infants to eat, drink, and breathe; also known as whooping cough

What Is the
DTaP
Vaccine?

The
DTaP vaccine is composed of diptheria and tetnus toxoids that can create an antitoxin, and small pieces of killed (acellular) pertussis bacteria.

Who Should Get Vaccinated and When?

DTaP

The DTaP vaccine is generally required before starting school. The regular immunization schedule is to give the vaccine at:

2 months

4 months

6 months

15-18 months

4-6 years

Catch-Up Schedule

If you or your child has not been fully vaccinated
for diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis, talk to the doctor.

What Are the Risks Associated With the Tetanus Vaccine?

Most people tolerate the tetanus-containing vaccines without any trouble. The most common side effects are pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, mild fever,
tiredness, nausea,
or
vomiting.
Rarely, a fever of more than 105ºF and seizures may occur.

Acetaminophen
is sometimes given to reduce pain and fever that may occur after getting a vaccine. In infants, the
medication
may weaken the vaccine's effectiveness.
However, in children at risk for seizures, a fever lowering medication
may be important to take.
Discuss the risks and benefits of taking acetaminophen with the doctor.

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?

The vast majority of people should receive their tetanus-containing vaccinations on schedule. However, individuals in whom the risks of vaccination outweigh the benefits include those who:

Have had a
life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of DTaP

Has had a brain or nervous system disease
within seven days after a
dose of DTaP.

Talk with your doctor before getting the vaccine if you have:

Epilepsy or other nervous system problems

Severe swelling or severe pain after a previous dose of any component of the vaccination to be given

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

DTaP vaccine: What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/dtap.pdf. Updated May 17, 2007. Accessed August 28, 2014.

Immunization schedules for infants and children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/child.html. Updated January 31, 2014. Accessed August 28, 2014.